Elmbrook Education Foundation (EEF) Awards Check for Sensory Tool Kits

The Elmbrook Education Foundation (EEF) presented a check to the School District of Elmbrook in the amount of $25,000 to purchase Sensory Tool Kits for each elementary classroom. This donation was made possible through the proceeds raised at the 18th Annual Ladies’ Night event in December, 2021.

“The EEF is so proud to make a $25,000 donation to the School District of Elmbrook to assist with providing sensory tool kits in the elementary school classrooms. We appreciate all who attended and donated towards our Ladies' Night event last year to help raise funds for these very important tools that will be utilized by the youngest learners of the district,” said Kelly Ebbole, Ladies’ Night chair.

Classroom sensory tools are designed to help students channel their energy and regulate emotions while also working to minimize disruptive behavior and improve concentration. A sensory tool kit will equip classroom teachers with materials to assist students in substituting challenging behaviors with sensory-based activities. These tools support student refinement of fine motor skills, offer calming pressure, tactile exploration and development of hand-eye coordination. Sensory tools support students’ abilities to regulate their personal state of emotions, energy states, thoughts and behaviors in ways that are appropriate to the classroom environment.

Emily Greiber, School District of Elmbrook, Director of Assessment, “The desire for tools and strategies to support students’ self-regulation and engagement needs stemmed from elementary staff feedback. We are excited that the Elmbrook Education Foundation has provided such a generous donation to support our schools with acquiring sensory tools to address these needs. Providing our elementary classrooms with these tools, and training for staff with how to effectively utilize the tools, will support our efforts to meet the unique learning needs of all of our students.”

The Elmbrook Education Foundation (EEF) was organized in 1958 to award scholarships to select Brookfield High School graduates. In 1999, the Foundation's mission expanded to include teacher grants for innovative projects that benefit all students. The EEF raises money to support and strengthen outstanding learning ideas that improve the overall educational quality of our public schools. To date, the EEF has awarded over $1,400,000 in scholarships and over $500,000 in grants which enhance and extend the established curriculum and support projects that are beyond the district’s budget.

For more information, please contact Beth Dobrzynski, Executive Director, at 262-844-3742 or elmbrookeducationfoundation@gmail.com. www.elmbrookschools.org/elmbrook-education-foundation.